[extropy-chat] Are the developed nations fleeing into virtual reality?

[BillK]

See: <http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/3613916.stm>

Are the developed nations fleeing into virtual reality?
>From the article, 
"In 2003, Britons spent £1,152m on games, more than ever before, and
far more than on going to the cinema or renting videos or DVDs
.In 2003, gamers across the world spent £10.1bn ($18.2bn) on their
hobby. Screen Digest predicts this will increase to £11.7bn ($21.1bn)
by 2007"

To me, it looks like several trends are coming together here.
There have been concerns that people were watching too much television
and never going out in the evening. Now they are playing computer
games too much.
One report said that children have little contact with their family as
they stay alone in their rooms surrounded by electronic gear provided
by parents.
Another large group spends a lot of time online, playing online games,
in chat rooms, on email lists or just browsing.
The increased cost and delays make travel more difficult, leading to a
reluctance to travel, increased working from home, and more isolation.
The perceived dangers in the streets at night are persuading more
people to stay home in the evening.
Shopping can be done on the net, and delivered to your home.
Banking and investment is done on the net now.
The birth rates in developed countries are falling below replacement levels.
When you feel like visiting someplace, you look it up on the net, see
pictures, read about it, then think "Do I really want to spend two
hours each way travelling, to join queues for shows, queues for food,
queues for drinks, etc.".
Everybody *must* have a mobile phone to keep in touch with each other,
but without actually meeting them in person.
People email each other rather than meeting and talking.
Are we trying to avoid physical contact more and more?

BillK